Inspiring Women Entrepreneurs is a programme aimed at increasing the number of female-led innovative businesses of scale focused on export markets that become clients of Enterprise Ireland.
The programme is targeting a woman who is considering a change in career or interested in exploring the possibility of an innovative entrepreneurial career. Ireland has the third-highest rate for early-stage female entrepreneurs across European countries. However, the growth aspiration for early-stage female entrepreneurs continues to be lower than for men.
Supported by Enterprise Ireland and KPMG, this initiative is designed to introduce the possibility of an entrepreneurial career to particular groups of women that may not have considered it previously and where there is untapped entrepreneurial potential – women in senior corporate positions, those with doctoral and post-doctoral academic qualifications, professional women, women seeking a change in their life, among others.
During the Summer, 16 participants will be selected by the Lead Entrepreneurs, Anne Cusack and Leonora O’Brien, to participate in the Inspiring Women Entrepreneurs programme, which will start in September and run for twelve months.
Each participant who completes the Inspiring cycle will be offered free membership of the Going for Growth Community to the end of the year 2024 so that Going for Growth can continue to support the participant on her early entrepreneurial journey as many of the topic-based workshops offered to members would be relevant to her.
Five Steps to Develop a Business
There are five steps in the Inspiring Women Entrepreneurs initiative for those wishing to develop a scalable, export-focused business:
1. Inspiring
Partner organisations will invite appropriate groups from their networks to come together to hear from a selection of the Inspiring Lead Entrepreneurs – who will mirror their own background. Those interested in beginning their own entrepreneurial journey will be asked to register their interest on the spot via the website.
2. Fostering Entrepreneurial Capacity
Those deemed to have innovative business ideas with global ambition will be invited to participate in a series of workshops facilitated by KPMG and other experts. There will also be a chance to develop peer support networks.
3. Gathering Information
Participants will have the opportunity to attend a meeting with Enterprise Ireland executives to gather information about available supports open to them.
4. Participating on a Round Table
Prospective entrepreneurs who have completed the previous stages will have the opportunity to apply to take part in a series of round tables led by an Inspiring Lead Entrepreneur, who will offer insights on how to start an innovative business focused on growth, with a particular focus on moving from concept to implementation.
5. Continuing Support
Those who complete the series of Inspiring round tables will be offered membership of the Going for Growth Community for a year, where they will continue to be supported on their early-stage entrepreneurial journey.
Leo Clancy, CEO of Enterprise Ireland, said, “we recognise the potential for boosting economic performance by maximizing all of the skills and talent available in Ireland.”
Paula Fitzsimons, National Director of Inspiring Women Entrepreneurs, said, “we want to introduce the possibility of an entrepreneurial career to particular groups of women that may not have considered it previously.”
Dr Natalie Walsh, Director of Entrepreneurial Development, University of Galway, said, “the West of Ireland is the ideal location to showcase inspiring female entrepreneurs.”
Source: KPMG Ireland
